In a healthcare landscape often characterised by isolation and fear, the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV) at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto stand out as a beacon of compassion and support. Lydia Canning, a former patient who was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder at just seven years old, now serves as the president of this esteemed group. With over 70 years separating her childhood hospital stays from her current role, Canning reflects on the pivotal role volunteers played in her recovery and how, even today, they continue to provide invaluable emotional support to families navigating challenging circumstances.
A Legacy of Compassion
Lydia Canning’s memories of her time at SickKids are dominated not by the treatments or procedures she endured but by the “play ladies” who brought joy and comfort during her hospital stays. “Those memories have faded,” she shares, “and the good memories have come to the forefront.” These volunteers, members of the WAV, were not part of the hospital’s medical staff but provided essential emotional support, crafting a nurturing environment that helped young patients cope with their illnesses.
Founded in 1950, the WAV is the oldest volunteer group at SickKids, and it is composed entirely of women who view their work as a sisterhood. Their contributions extend far beyond simple companionship; they enhance the healing environment of the hospital, filling gaps left by healthcare professionals who are often pressed for time.
The Decline of Volunteerism
Despite the critical role that volunteers play in the Canadian healthcare system, recent statistics from Statistics Canada reveal a worrying trend. Between 2013 and 2018, volunteer rates plummeted by 8 per cent, with hospital volunteering seeing a staggering 47 per cent decrease in hours. Nevertheless, Canadians collectively dedicated 35 million hours to hospital volunteering in 2023, highlighting the enduring spirit of altruism even in challenging times.
A study conducted in 2004 found that each dollar invested in volunteer infrastructure yielded an impressive average return of $6.84 in value. This staggering figure underscores the financial and emotional benefits of volunteer work, especially in an underfunded healthcare system.
The Personal Touch
While volunteers may not provide direct medical care, their impact on patients and families is profound and palpable. They offer emotional support, a listening ear, and a human touch that can often alleviate the stress of hospital visits. Michelle Nelson, a senior investigator at the Bruyère Health Research Institute, notes the importance of volunteers in forging connections within the healthcare environment. “They’re often serving as the intermediary or connective component of creating the warm, caring, sophisticated healing systems that we’ve come to expect,” she explains.
At SickKids, the WAV has evolved to meet the diverse needs of the hospital, with members engaging in various activities, from sewing surgical caps to running a gift shop that donates all proceeds to the hospital. The commitment of these volunteers enriches the lives of patients and their families, providing support in ways that medical staff often cannot.
The Road Ahead
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteer numbers have fluctuated, particularly among retirees who comprise a significant portion of the WAV. However, membership is on the rise once again, with 220 active members as of recent counts. This resurgence reflects a broader trend of increasing volunteerism as society moves beyond the pandemic’s initial constraints.
Lydia Canning’s journey from patient to president of the WAV exemplifies the cyclical nature of care within the hospital. After experiencing the kindness of volunteers as a child, Canning returned to SickKids in 1984 as a parent, seeking to give back to the community that had once helped her. Today, she dedicates her Thursdays to assisting families in the surgical waiting room, drawing from her own experiences to provide comfort and reassurance.
Why it Matters
The ongoing commitment of the Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers at SickKids is a testament to the crucial role that compassion plays in healthcare. As the system faces unprecedented challenges, the presence of dedicated volunteers not only fills vital gaps but also restores a sense of humanity to the clinical environment. Their work reminds us that, alongside medical expertise, emotional and psychological support are fundamental to healing, particularly in times of distress. The WAV stands as a vital lifeline, offering hope and warmth to countless families navigating the trials of serious illness, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey.
